First witness in Ruel Reid and co-accused fraud trial to take stand on Thursday

The first witness is to take the stand on Thursday in the multimillion-dollar fraud trial involving former Education Minister Ruel Reid and others, after the presiding judge granted the order for indictment and denied the defence’s application for a further adjournment.

Defence attorney Hugh Wildman had objected to the indictment order, arguing last Wednesday that statements collected by the Financial Investigation Division (FID) or by police officers acting under the FID’s direction were obtained illegally and therefore could not support the indictment necessary for the case to proceed.

Wildman maintained that the FID lacked legal authority to investigate, collect statements, or delegate police officers to act on its behalf.

He urged Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell, sitting in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, to dismiss the case unless the Crown could produce independent statements to support the indictment.

In response, lead prosecutor Ashtelle Steel contended that Wildman’s application was premature and should be raised during trial.

She further argued that the officers involved, though acting under the FID Act, retained the powers of police officers under the Constabulary Force Act and were legally empowered to act.

Steel also pointed out that while Wildman cited a ruling by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, he failed to reference Full Court and Court of Appeal decisions affirming that issues of admissibility should be addressed at trial.

Burrell agreed, stating she could not determine the admissibility of the evidence before it was presented in court.

The judge further pointed to the Parish Courts Act, which she noted outlines the steps to be taken before a trial proceeds, including the granting of the indictment order.

Burrell, after hearing the allegations, despite further objection from the defence, stated that she saw no reason to deny the order, noting that the details presented were sufficient to warrant its approval.

The defence had also sought a 10-week adjournment, citing late service of voluminous material and the need for additional preparation time.

The judge rejected the request, noting the complexity and length of the case, which has been ongoing for six years.

She emphasised the court’s responsibility to manage its resources and time efficiently.

After further submissions today, defence attorneys requested a shorter delay until next Tuesday.

The judge, however, ruled for the continuation of case management and directed the Crown to provide the defence with the order in which the first 10 witnesses would be called, to assist in preparation for cross-examination.

Ruel Reid, his wife Sharen, daughter Sharelle, former Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) President Professor Fritz Pinnock, and Jamaica Labour Party Councillor Kim Brown Lawrence are on trial for alleged involvement in a fraud scheme exceeding $25 million at the Ministry of Education and CMU.

They face multiple charges, including breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act, conspiracy to defraud, and violations of the Proceeds of Crime Act.

- Tanesha Mundle

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